Post by maddogfagin on Jul 3, 2013 17:54:02 GMT

Having spoken to James at the weekend about the possibility of Ian Anderson participating in another question & answer session with The Forum, I’m pleased to announce that Ian has agreed to take part.

The only stipulation is that it is limited to 12 questions so that means, in reality, one question per member please and the final 12 questions will be forwarded to Ian with a cut off date of 31 July 2013.

So as not to duplicate questions from our previous Q & A with Ian back in 2009, have a look at

Post by JTull 007 on Jul 3, 2013 18:14:45 GMT

Hello Ian, For several months the news of a new album that will be recorded in November 2013 has been a great source of hope and controversy.Would you be able to say with any certainty which members of this outstanding group are expected to be involved in this project? My overwhelming thanks for your answer, jtull07 (Jim) Tryon, North Carolina U.S.A.

Post by steelmonkey on Jul 3, 2013 18:30:57 GMT

Greetings headmaster and welcome to our virtual Tull treehouse, Had someone proposed, a couple years ago, that some of the vocals be sung by someone else while you played flute, harmonised, danced around or looked faintly bemused, I would have dismissed it as silliness. But having seen the TAAB tour twice and videos from other performances, I find it to be an elegant and uniquely Tull/Ian solution to the ongoing problem of accurate live performances. Will Ryan remain involved post-brick? A little, a lot, from now on or is this a one shot deal with him? I was also impressed by the Icelandic guy singing One White Duck and Marc Almond chiming in at the Royal Albert Hall. More guest vocals ? Bernie a.k.a. Steel Monkey the retired but not retiring bike messenger in SF

Post by bunkerfan on Jul 6, 2013 6:01:34 GMT

Hello Ian,

Like many fans I'm enjoying the Thick as a Brick 1 & 2 tour and when it's finally over, are there any plans in the pipeline for an acoustic tour? I was lucky enough to see your performance at The Sage Gateshead and it would be a real treat to see you back there again at that wonderful venue.

Thank you so much for your music. You've treated us to an incredible musical journey so far that I hope will last for many more years to come.

Cheers

John (bunkerfan)

County Durham

And who comes here to wish me well?A sweetly-scented angel fell,She laid her head upon my disbelief,And bathed me with her ever-smile.

Post by sealdriver on Jul 10, 2013 5:25:23 GMT

Ian, now that you are a grandfather have you considered writing children's books? Compositions such as "The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles" and "Look at the Animals" are great pieces that children enjoy. I've used them in my classroom for academic writing assignments.

Post by jackinthegreen on Jul 10, 2013 22:11:42 GMT

Thanks for all the music Ian, I have been a fan since at school and hearing the single Living in the Past.....saw the band on the Thick tour back then and lots inbetween and the 1st night in Perth of the TAAB2 and TAAB tour. I was amazed when you first appeared at my little Perth Concert Hall, I had emailed you about it, and so take the credit for you playing there, hahaha.

My question is this.....you have played so many gigs over the years, big and small, you might not know some nights where you are....such a busy tour etc.What's your fav gig to play if you have one...........

Cheers,

Tom.

PS - You never learned to drive a car, as far as I recall you were far too busy back then, yet you did learn to ride motorbikes, how did that come about, and do you ever wish you had a driving licence? It would give you something to spend you're money on.....Ferrari, Lamborghinni, Rolls Royce etc, I jest..... I know you're money is better spent......

Post by snaffler on Jul 13, 2013 21:06:00 GMT

hi Ian you are a musician who is definitely a chops player. Could you ever consider working live with a band of musicians who clearly arent, ie crazy horse for example, with the idea that the band could be greater than the sum of its parts some nights and not others? So in theory on some nights the muse would reach greater musical hights through improvisation than others. or would it drive you bonkers?! cheers tim

Post by nonrabbit on Jul 15, 2013 6:38:50 GMT

Thanks Ian for taking part in this and for giving us plenty to witter on about over the last year.

Do you think it’s possible to invent a fictitious character or create an image that doesn’t have a part of the writer hidden somewhere?

With reference to the character imagery depicted in the songs and cover art over the years ie roguish tinker, marauding pirate, Mr Bostock - were they a glimpse into a facet of your personality,perhaps a notion of how you saw yourself or would have liked to have seen yourself at the time?

On the other hand,any tips on enjoying a curry/chillies in the (pre) dotage years - nothing too spicy?

Post by maddogfagin on Jul 18, 2013 8:43:03 GMT

Having spoken to James at the weekend about the possibility of Ian Anderson participating in another question & answer session with The Forum, I’m pleased to announce that Ian has agreed to take part.

The only stipulation is that it is limited to 12 questions so that means, in reality, one question per member please and the final 12 questions will be forwarded to Ian with a cut off date of 31 July 2013.

So as not to duplicate questions from our previous Q & A with Ian back in 2009, have a look at

My thanks to James for his assistance in getting this organised and to Ian for agreeing to take part.

Just a reminder about the Q & A with Ian Anderson we've got in place at the moment. Your chance to ask him something that you've always wanted to know, as long as it's not about salmon farming or standing on one leg

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention” ― Kahlil Gibran

Post by tullist on Jul 19, 2013 5:35:08 GMT

Having spoken to James at the weekend about the possibility of Ian Anderson participating in another question & answer session with The Forum, I’m pleased to announce that Ian has agreed to take part.

The only stipulation is that it is limited to 12 questions so that means, in reality, one question per member please and the final 12 questions will be forwarded to Ian with a cut off date of 31 July 2013.

So as not to duplicate questions from our previous Q & A with Ian back in 2009, have a look at

My thanks to James for his assistance in getting this organised and to Ian for agreeing to take part.

Just a reminder about the Q & A with Ian Anderson we've got in place at the moment. Your chance to ask him something that you've always wanted to know, as long as it's not about salmon farming or standing on one leg

Doubt if this will be included because I don't really have a question so much as a series of observations, the first of which I do hope reaches your ears, though it may well be something of which you are already aware. The reason being after all the years in the seventies when the visibility of Tull was signifigantly higher one got much in the way of actual information only by buying what was the current tour book, or occasional snide commentary in the major rags. And so happy for the likes of the Ramones or Johnny Rotten, who I cannot help but like very much though I doubt that sentiment would be reciprocated that they feel it safe to "admit" to being Tull fans now well clear of the prying eyes of 1977. Come 1985 and David Rees with his new days and in the past ten years with the internet pretty nearly anything I can think of has been answered, maybe that will change over the next week or two, I doubt it.Anyway I believe you should know the following observation of a man, Ian Mackinnon, who was your farm manager, who picked me up hitch hiking on Skye in 83 pretty sure, (visited in 82, 3 and 5, completely taken with the place and all the environs of the Western Highlands, like no place I have ever visited)who said of you, and these words have stuck with me through the decades alongside often less kind assessments, "I could not imagine working for a finer gentleman." As indeed he himself seemed to be.Btw with my brother in 83 got to have a nice 25 minute chat with you and a nice picture while you were working on salmon nets I am pretty sure, I carefully avoided much mention of your other job, though I did inquire about the then unreleased Hare film from the Passion Play which you estimated "must be wasting away in a drawer at Chyrsalis." Additionally my girlfriend Caroline made a lovely framed pen and ink drawing of Kilmarie which I believe Gerd Burkart spirited to you, anyway she received a nice letter from you. I was a young man of some decorum and when the then young kiddies came up with their nanny my brother and I knew it was time to boot it out of there. I guess to the extent I have a question, and its not even a song I am particularly fond of, re would not make my Tull 100 , but one I believe may have worked well as a show opener, that being Saboteur from UW, was that tried in rehearsals and considered not up to snuff? I realize by now that would be an ancient memory, but I suspect yours is working pretty well.

Post by acreman on Jul 21, 2013 18:02:25 GMT

(I'm brand new here, so please feel free to discard my question if we end up with too many. I don't want to take a spot that could go to a board vet.)

Hi Ian,

Thick as a Brick 2 is an extraordinarily diverse and dynamic composition. I was wondering if you had any particular plan in mind while putting the pieces together for constructing the most dynamically effective sequence, how much of a role the lyrical content played in the ordering, and if there were any helpful lessons learned from the making of the first TAAB and A Passion Play in this regard.

Post by rainbowblue on Jul 21, 2013 18:21:09 GMT

Hi Ian!

A couple quick questions (hopefully)

I heard Cheap Day Return was originally a much longer song about your dad. Also Budapest was a 20 minute piece. If true, will we ever hear the complete version?Also, I heard that Jeffery had rehearsed to go on the road with Tull for the Stormwatch tour before saying "I can`t do it!" Is that true?

Post by maddogfagin on Aug 6, 2013 17:16:35 GMT

Ian's replies/comments.

1. Hello Ian, For several months the news of a new album that will be recorded in November 2013 has been a great source of hope and controversy.Would you be able to say with any certainty which members of this outstanding group are expected to be involved in this project?My overwhelming thanks for your answer, jtull07 (Jim) Tryon, North Carolina U.S.A.

No - while I have all the music and lyrics written, it is a little early to go to the next stage of arrangements and detail with other musicians. Whoever is involved in this project will have to commit to 2 years of touring and so serious discussion must be had towards the end of this year. I know who I would LIKE to play with but, of course, people have their plans and must give due consideration to the other projects they wish to pursue as well. But this sounds like the question you really want to ask is, "Is Martin Barre going to be back in the band....?"

2. Greetings headmaster and welcome to our virtual Tull treehouse,Had someone proposed, a couple years ago, that some of the vocals be sung by someone else while you played flute, harmonised, danced around or looked faintly bemused, I would have dismissed it as silliness. But having seen the TAAB tour twice and videos from other performances, I find it to be an elegant and uniquely Tull/Ian solution to the ongoing problem of accurate live performances. Will Ryan remain involved post-brick? A little, a lot, from now on or is this a one shot deal with him? I was also impressed by the Icelandic guy singing One White Duck and Marc Almond chiming in at the Royal Albert Hall. More guest vocals ?

Well - at this stage I will likely sing all of the next album on record but it would be nice to have Ryan, or someone like him, as an additional factor on stage. Not just a a vocalist but to bring the elements of dance and mime too.

Bernie a.k.a. Steel Monkey the retired but not retiring bike messenger in SF

3. What do you consider to be your greatest success?

I try to make every day a success of some sort. Not sure if I can congratulate myself on any particular moment. Maybe being a father? Or husband?

What has been your greatest failure? Not necessarily music related.

Not keeping pace with academia and learning after taking up music. I should have continues to learn stuff! Trying to catch up now. But I wasted 10 years or so. Mr Google wasn't around to ask, back then.

thank you - tootull in Toronto

4. Hello Ian,Like many fans I'm enjoying the Thick as a Brick 1 & 2 tour and when it's finally over, are there any plans in the pipeline for an acoustic tour? I was lucky enough to see your performance at The Sace Gateshead and it would be a real treat to see you back there again at that wonderful venue.

I am sure there will be some acoustic shows. Italy in September for example. Then Orchestral and church shows. But a prolonged tour not likely. The next tours in 2014 will mostly be more rock-oriented.

Thank you so much for your music. You've treated us to an incredible musical journey so far that I hope will last for many more years to come.CheersJohn (bunkerfan), County Durham

Thanks for coming on the ride. That'll be four and six-pense. Half price for the kids. Seniors' discount?

5. Ian, now that you are a grandfather have you considered writing children's books? Compositions such as "The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles" and "Look at the Animals" are great pieces that children enjoy. I've used them in my classroom for academic writing assignments.

Dangerous chaps, children. They have this frightening tendency to grow up. Anyway, the innocence of adult relationships with children has passed. Even Harry Potters has had his kit off by now.

Thanks, Sealdriver

6. Thanks for all the music Ian, I have been a fan since at school and hearing the single Living in the Past.....saw the band on the Thick tour back then and lots inbetween and the 1st night in Perth of the TAAB2 and TAAB tour. I was amazed when you first appeared at my little Perth Concert Hall, I had emailed you about it, and so take the credit for you playing there, hahaha.

My question is this.....you have played so many gigs over the years, big and small, you might not know some nights where you are....such a busy tour etc.What's your favourite gig to play if you have one...........

I don't really have one but here are a few: The Royal Albert Hall. Horrible sound, no parking. Miles to walk to catering. But an icon of daft architecture! The Beacon Theatre in NYC. Wolftrap near Washington. Caesarea Roman Amphitheatre near Tel Aviv. Ephesus in Turkey. Where Paul preached to the unconverted. The Marquee Club. Canterbury Cathedral.

PS - You never learned to drive a car, as far as I recall you were far too busy back then, yet you did learn to ride motorbikes, how did that come about, and do you ever wish you had a driving licence? It would give you something to spend you're money on.....Ferrari, Lamborghinni, Rolls Royce etc, I jest..... I know you're money is better spent......

Always liked small, sexy, off-road motorbikes. Scramblers, they were called back then. Mostly made in or around Birmingham. Greeves, Dot, James, BSA. Then there were the Spanish: Bultaco, Ossa, Montesa. Never had a love for cars. Although I appreciate the engineering, I prefer to miss them out and move on and up to a F15 or a Boeing 737-800 series.

Cheers, Tom.

7. Hi Ian

Thanks for all the great music you have created over the years.

My question is .....Is there any chance that the album Catfish Rising can be reissued as 'Codpiece Rising', as I always thought that would be a far better title for that album.

It's not the codpiece that rises. It's the coiled serpent within that waits to rear its ugly but sensitive head. However, it could be said that 'tis too late for that sort of malarkey.

Thank You, Zendad

8. Hi Ian You are a musician who is definitely a chops player. Could you ever consider working live with a band of musicians who clearly aren't, ie crazy horse for example, with the idea that the band could be greater than the sum of its parts some nights and not others? Or would it drive you bonkers?!

Musicians drive me bonkers. Drummers especially. But the ones I work with at present are a dream. Awfully nice chaps and they almost never menstruate or show signs of boredom, distress or bilious attack.

cheers Tim

9. Thanks Ian for taking part in this and for giving us plenty to witter on about over the last year.

Do you think it’s possible to invent a fictitious character or create an image that doesn’t have a part of the writer hidden somewhere?

It would be rather dull if it was possible. 20% of what I write is autobiographical, I would think.

With reference to the character imagery depicted in the songs and cover art over the years ie roguish tinker, marauding pirate, Mr Bostock - were they a glimpse into a facet of your personality,perhaps a notion of how you saw yourself or would have liked to have seen yourself at the time?

On the other hand,any tips on enjoying a curry/chillies in the (pre) dotage years - nothing too spicy?

Yes - start with a finely diced Hungarian wax chopped into a salad to bring some aded zest. Then progress to the humble Cayenne. Then the Habanero and finally, the Bhut Jolokia or the Trinidad Scorpion. Then patiently wait to die. Painfully...

Patti nonrabbit in Fermanagh...trying to roll ten questions into one.

10. Doubt if this will be included because I don't really have a question so much as a series of observations, the first of which I do hope reaches your ears, though it may well be something of which you are already aware. The reason being after all the years in the seventies when the visibility of Tull was signifigantly higher one got much in the way of actual information only by buying what was the current tour book, or occasional snide commentary in the major rags. And so happy for the likes of the Ramones or Johnny Rotten, who I cannot help but like very much though I doubt that sentiment would be reciprocated that they feel it safe to "admit" to being Tull fans now well clear of the prying eyes of 1977. Come 1985 and David Rees with his new days and in the past ten years with the internet pretty nearly anything I can think of has been answered, maybe that will change over the next week or two, I doubt it.

Repetition, blah, blah. And more blah. But every time a different spin, maybe?

Anyway I believe you should know the following observation of a man, Ian Mackinnon, who was your farm manager, who picked me up hitch hiking on Skye in 83 pretty sure, (visited in 82, 3 and 5, completely taken with the place and all the environs of the Western Highlands, like no place I have ever visited)who said of you, and these words have stuck with me through the decades alongside often less kind assessments, "I could not imagine working for a finer gentleman." As indeed he himself seemed to be.

Hoots, mon.

Btw with my brother in 83 got to have a nice 25 minute chat with you and a nice picture while you were working on salmon nets I am pretty sure, I carefully avoided much mention of your other job, though I did inquire about the then unreleased Hare film from the Passion Play which you estimated "must be wasting away in a drawer at Chyrsalis." Additionally my girlfriend Caroline made a lovely framed pen and ink drawing of Kilmarie which I believe Gerd Burkart spirited to you, anyway she received a nice letter from you. I was a young man of some decorum and when the then young kiddies came up with their nanny my brother and I knew it was time to boot it out of there.

Many thanks to Caroline.

I guess to the extent I have a question, and its not even a song I am particularly fond of, re would not make my Tull 100 , but one I believe may have worked well as a show opener, that being Saboteur from UW, was that tried in rehearsals and considered not up to snuff? I realize by now that would be an ancient memory, but I suspect yours is working pretty well.

I listened to it recently and it was - er -spirited. Martin was playing especially well on that album.

Ray (tullist)

11. Hi Ian!

A couple quick questions (hopefully)I heard Cheap Day Return was originally a much longer song about your dad. Also Budapest was a 20 minute piece. If true, will we ever hear the complete version?

No - Cheap Day was always short. Like its composer. Budapest was about 20 mins but I cut it down as there was so much else to fit on the album. We didn't record the rest of it.

Also, I heard that Jeffery had rehearsed to go on the road with Tull for the Stormwatch tour before saying "I can`t do it!" Is that true?Thank you for your time!

Jeffrey did have a little re-think after he left the band but concluded that it was beyond him and we didn't really rehearse for a tour, as such - just had a little play at some point together. But it didn't get very far. Sadly.

Take care!John, Billerica Ma. USA

12. Hi Ian,

Thick as a Brick 2 is an extraordinarily diverse and dynamic composition. I was wondering if you had any particular plan in mind while putting the pieces together for constructing the most dynamically effective sequence, how much of a role the lyrical content played in the ordering, and if there were any helpful lessons learned from the making of the first TAAB and A Passion Play in this regard.

Oh, yes - a lot of careful thought as to how to construct it and how to relate to various passages from TAAB1 and the many references musically and lyrically. And the instrumentation was chosen to re-create the sound palette. All the lyrics were written in three weeks along with most of the music. About 4 hours per day of concentrated thought and subsequent editing. Phew! Did it all again starting Jan 1 2013. Just to prove a point? No - just to plan for 2014 and 2015. Got to keep busy.

Thank you!

Mike/"acreman"

My thanks to Ian for this and to James for his assistance

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention” ― Kahlil Gibran

Post by JTull 007 on Aug 6, 2013 17:48:22 GMT

No - while I have all the music and lyrics written, it is a little early to go to the next stage of arrangements and detail with other musicians. Whoever is involved in this project will have to commit to 2 years of touring and so serious discussion must be had towards the end of this year. I know who I would LIKE to play with but, of course, people have their plans and must give due consideration to the other projects they wish to pursue as well.

But this sounds like the question you really want to ask is, "Is Martin Barre going to be back in the band....?"

Nope.That is why I'm a Tull Fan. I never know what to expect. Great answer from Ian. Love it!

Post by tootull on Aug 6, 2013 18:23:38 GMT

But this sounds like the question you really want to ask is, "Is Martin Barre going to be back in the band....?"sounds like a good sig. line, for you, Jim. LOL

View from here - YES to Martin for the win. YES to Tull.

Thanks James, & thanks again to Ian Anderson - wonderful

Here's my signature........ "Go With Flo"Remember 2 years of touring is no problem for a 30 year old musician that learns fast.

We know your view; & we all have our own reasons for wanting to know this;>)<: "But this sounds like the question you really want to ask is, "Is Martin Barre going to be back in the band....?"" "Go With Flo" isn't what I would expect to see on a Jethro Tull forum, like ever... speechless.

Post by JTull 007 on Aug 6, 2013 18:34:08 GMT

"Go With Flo and Martin" ?I have no influence with whom Ian picks. He never asked me before.His choices are his own and I like that. If he pulls the plug on Florian Opahle then so be it.If he prefers Martin whom is busy with his World Tour and new album, so be it. Crank it Up!

I love every member that ever played with Ian Anderson including Mick Abrahams. Thanks Mick.

Post by tootull on Aug 6, 2013 18:43:39 GMT

"Go With Flo and Martin" ?I have no influence with whom Ian picks. He never asked me before.His choices are his own and I like that. If he pulls the plug on Florian Opahle then so be it.If he prefers Martin whom is busy with his World Tour and new album, so be it. Crank it Up!

As we know, of course there's nothing wrong with your view. I just don't expect it from a true Tull fan. I'd like to see others with this view. Has me puzzled. ...and the beat goes on...

Post by Tull50 on Aug 6, 2013 18:49:06 GMT

I would like to see again Martin with Ian? of courseI would like to see again Florian with Ian? of courseSo why not 2 guitars, we know that the album is rock and also leaves the door open to new members vocalists and theatrical, The most important thing is that we have ahead two years more than world tour, great news for Tull fans.My opinion is that we will see Martin with Ian again, not sure if this tour or another but surely will return to play together.It is also true that I can not imagine now a new substitute for Florian, he's already complemented with this new group.Thanks Graham, James, and Ian for this interesting interview, also to all members who have contributed to make this possible

Post by JTull 007 on Aug 6, 2013 18:57:51 GMT

Years ago if you asked me whom could replace Martin Barre, I would have said no one.I still feel that way today although others are not so sure. The idea of Florian Opahle playing in Tull as he has done in the past, is nothing new.

If there are legal reasons then fine. I have a broad interpretation of all things Tull as most know.I continue to accept the wisdom of Ian Anderson to create music under any name or trademark. The musicians he chooses will deliver the best which I have seen for 40 years. I'm just a Tull Fan.

I'm glad that Martin can play his music with whom he chooses. In the end, Ian decides whom he wants.

Post by tootull on Aug 6, 2013 18:58:58 GMT

I would like to see again Martin with Ian? of courseI would like to see again Florian with Ian? of courseSo why not 2 guitars, we know that the album is rock and also leaves the door open to new members vocalists and theatrical, The most important thing is that we have ahead two years more than world tour, great news for Tull fans.My opinion is that we will see Martin with Ian again, not sure if this tour or another but surely will return to play together.It is also true that I can not imagine now a new substitute for Florian, he's already complemented with this new group.Thanks Graham, James, and Ian for this interesting interview, also to all members who have contributed to make this possible

Remy

That's much better than just a flow with Flo (no gutter). All good.

Not as important as it looks; This old Tull dog would like to see at least one more complete album with Martin Barre.

Post by futureshock on Aug 6, 2013 19:11:29 GMT

My suspicion is that Martin's exposure to many other musicians and projects over the last while have opened up a wide field of opportunities for him he'd be crazy not to take. He's already played the Tull "best of" gig for far too long. Enjoy life, Martin is way too good and productive to be wasted on rehashing 1970's music in a band that releases a quality new work maybe once a decade now.

Shoutbox

JTull 007: My spirit will be sitting next to you at The Mountain Winery I'll be drinking some TULL Wine too Jul 9, 2019 2:11:22 GMT

steelmonkey: I peeked at setlists from past few days. Glad to see I can expect APP excerpt....My friend assures me that Warm Sporran is less a booby prize than Solstice Bells. Review soon. Clock stuck at work as I await concert this evening.Jul 9, 2019 16:12:13 GMT

fluteinthegallery: If I had to put my love for Tull in to one word, it would be "everything". This band means everything to me. Jul 15, 2019 3:59:50 GMT

steelmonkey: I would agree. I love music, I love rock and roll but my love for Tull is it's own category and bigger than the other two,Jul 16, 2019 0:42:25 GMT

joemer: FOR MICHAEL COLLINS,JEFFREY & ME !!!! whether it happpened (the event) or not the Song was fabulous!!! incidentally Michael Collins "Is Alive and Well and Living In......Jul 16, 2019 14:43:52 GMT

steelmonkey: Rock and Roll lives...saw The Raconteurs last night. Jack White was amazing. How does one guy get so much talent?....oh, wait....I've seen that somewehere.Jul 25, 2019 16:46:34 GMT

snaffler: I haven't listened to anything as refreshing for decades (re Jethro Tull), as a couple of recordings of Martin's 50th Anniversary US tour! The songs sound so reinvigorated by Dan Crisp's vocals. I saw Martin last year and the vibe in the band seemed greatJul 31, 2019 19:47:12 GMT

steelmonkey: I still don't feel like I have learned and integrated the 5 songs that were written for the opera. I wonder if and when they will ever be available besides the version snagged from a live show that I listen to now and again.Aug 22, 2019 18:13:49 GMT

maddogfagin: I hope that the silence regarding any updates on the new album means that sessions are going well Aug 31, 2019 6:18:27 GMT